Code Platoon

I attended Code Platoon remotely from February – May, 2021. I was able to attend through the DoD SkillBridge Program, of which Code Platoon is an approved program, during my last few months of Active Duty. Though my entire experience was remote, It did... Read More not detract from the immersive experience and overall quality education. In just a few short months, myself and others, all of whom were at different levels of experience, were able to go from writing simple “Hello World” scripts, to full-stack applications incorporating multiple 3rd party APIs. This was done through a multitude of individual, as well as group work, that got each student used to the industry standards that we would each be expected to understand as we move into the job search. The technology stack we used throughout Code Platoon included Python/Django, JavaScript/React and Postgres/SQL as well as HTML/CSS. This exposed us to modern technology, that is in demand in throughout the industry, and also gave us a more diverse skillset, as opposed to a purely JavaScript based curriculum. Code Platoon also offered numerous workshops throughout the cohort with teams and individuals in the industry to expose us to new technology or give us a more in-depth look at the tech we were learning. In addition to this we also were given “Beyond Tech” workshops that helped students learn skills that went beyond just technology. One of the beyond tech workshops I found particularly useful was the personal finance workshop, as I hadn’t had much experience with money management. Code Platoon also offered an optional mentorship throughout the program that pairs students with a mentor in the industry. I, being active duty Army at the time, was excited to have a mentor who was an Army Veteran. With my mentor I was able to ask more in depth questions about the current tech industry, as well as learn new skills that may not have been offered in Code Platoon. Lastly, the cohort offers an apprenticeship program, that gives students the opportunity to interview and potentially land an internship or fulltime job with partner companies. This is an incredibly valuable option for students, and helps keep everyone motivated to work their hardest and learn the material as thoroughly as they can. Overall, I can’t recommend this program enough to any Veteran, active duty service member, or military spouse! Pros: - Strong Curriculum that exposes students to an awesome tech stack that is prevalent throughout the industry. -Offers both technical and non-technical workshops to help strengthen students’ knowledge and preparedness to enter the industry. -The apprenticeship program is an extremely valuable program that can help new programmers enter the industry with awesome companies. Cons: -If you have any prior experience coding, it can start off a little slow. - Being remote as of May 2021 (Though this may change), can present difficulties in some cases, though for the most part Code Platoon handled it well.

By all means this is not an easy course. But if you stick to it and put in the time, Code Platoon will set you up for success! Before starting, learn BASIC Javascript and Python. This is what is covered in the first few weeks. By week 16 you will be making... Read More full stack web applications using React and Django. Checkout the Code Platoon youtube channel, there is plenty of videos, everything from class lectures all the way to graduation!

While this boot camp was rigorous. I learned so much. I definitely recommend that you have a good familiarity with JavaScript and Python before you begin the program. Utilize your TA's, do not be embarrassed about what you don't know. They're there to... Read More help. They want you to succeed and will do whatever they can to help you. Try to study, definitely work on your problem-solving skills and algorithms throughout the course. Participate in the mentorship program. Also, remember to breathe, and take care of your mental health. This course is going to challenge you, but you can do it!

It is a very intensive coding boot camp that teaches you a ton beyond just coding. In the end they teach you a ton of skills beyond coding and assisting in getting a job during and after the course. Really valuable experience and when I talk to friends... Read More in the industry, they all say that I've been set up well for success.

I had a great experience at Code Platoon. The instructors are extremely invested in each student, and there is always someone to ask for help when you feel lost. I never really imagined that I could learn so much so fast. Also, aside from the coursework,... Read More the internship opportunities offered by companies to graduates at the end of the course is something that I had not read about being offered at any other coding bootcamp. The different kinds of scholarships and grants afforded to students to help with tuition also make this program a great opportunity for anyone able to attend Code Platoon.

In the overwhelming sea of bootcamp options, it's hard to imagine a better option than Code Platoon for members of the military community (I attended as a military spouse). From its emphasis on diversity & inclusion (so many scholarships available to... Read More under-represented communities) to its consistent willingness to re-assess the program curriculum, Code Platoon is a well-structured, intensive program that teaches the hard technical skills you would expect from a coding bootcamp along with invaluable guidance on necessary soft skills for those entering a new career. The team is very explicit about the time demands of the course, but a welcoming support network of teaching assistants and alumni are always available, whether you're stuck on a concept from the day's class or wanting to dive a level deeper with an experienced developer. As many have touched on here, getting the most value from the program requires more than completing the minimum requirements, and I highly recommend leveraging the provided community resources, from individual mentorship to resume reviews to job search assistance.

The decision to attend a coding bootcamp was a hard one for me to make. I worried that the course would be too fast-paced and I would get left behind. Code Platoon immediately made me feel welcome and cared for and I knew it was the school for me. I never... Read More felt alone and there was always someone to help when I became stuck. I would highly recommend this bootcamp to anyone that is eligible to attend. It is a lot of work, but the instructors and TAs are there to support you. If you put in the work you will get through the course. This is the best decision I have ever made, and I am so thankful to Code Platoon for offering such a wonderful opportunity. I am proud to be a part of the Code Platoon family.

I participated via the DoD Skillbridge Program for transitioning servicemembers. I found the program extremely helpful, especially for someone with zero prior coding experience. I feel I have a solid foundation to continue to learn and grow having gone... Read More through Code Platoon. Code Platoon is a great environment and the Instructors are absolutely amazing! The program is very challenging but you learn so much in such a short time. This program helped me significantly in preparation for my next career and I cannot thank Tom, Noa, Ankur, and the rest of the staff enough.

I have nothing but gratitude for the entire Code Platoon experience. Life-altering may sound extreme, but that was genuinely the case for myself and many of my peers. Everything about the cohort is intelligently planned and designed. From dedicated instructors... Read More to an expansive network of TA's, mentors, career coaches, and speakers, Code Platoon makes every conceivable effort to prepare its students for a career in tech. They're honest, transparent and forthright from the very start. They remind you that the course is a full time commitment, and what's expected of you is that you put in your all. The work is abundant, but the instructors are realistic and practical. I and several of my cohort's graduates worked extremely hard, putting in several 12 hour days and pushing through consecutive weekends, but entirely by choice. Regardless of the workload, the instructors always reminded us to prioritize family and self-care, and to build a healthy work-life balance. You can expect instructors, TA's, and mentors that will bring their all to the table. If you place your trust in the program, you can rest assured they'll have your back all throughout the cohort, and afterwards as well.